"Jerry?" I asked.

Harmony had taken Mindy on a walk so I could be alone with Jerry.

"Yes, Liam?"

"I don't know how I'm going to live without you."

"Naw, you'll be distracted by Harmony. And don't think I haven't noticed." Jerry was grinning.

"Wait--what?"

"Liam?"

"Yes?"

"Mindy goes home tonight. I'm never going to see her again."

"She might come back before-"

"I'm not going to live that long."

"Jerry, you don't know that--you're supposed to have two more months!"

"Liam, it hurts. Everywhere. And I can hardly breathe."

"I can't lose you yet!"

"Liam..."

I stayed silent. It was impossible to encourage him when even I was feeling glum.

Jerry looked me in the eyes, "Liam?"

"Yeah?" I answered.

"Don't be afraid to care for someone just because you could lose them."

"I..."

"Liam, don't you understand?You've always cared for me. You were my best friend. You gave me a lot of good memories. And we had so much fun together. I never had a brother, but you were closer than any sibling I could ever have. I want you to enjoy life even if I can't enjoy it with you."

"You know, you are a great friend. The best friend a guy could ever ask for."

Jerry smiled weakly. "You too." He tried to say something else but began coughing.

I panicked. "We need a doctor. Doctor!!"

I heard a beep and the heart monitor showed one straight line across.

The doctors raced in with Mindy close behind.

But it was too late.

Everything else was a blur. I could hear Mrs. Henrick's shrieks. Mr. Henrick was trying to comfort her.

I didn't even know I was screaming until I heard myself screaming.

How?

My best friend--was...gone?

He flatlined?

I closed my eyes, but not even going blind would stop the pain entering my mind.

What was I going to do?

Nothing, I guess.

Wait. My dad was still after Harmony.

Harmony was going to be killed tomorrow.

Was I going to lose two friends in less than twenty-four hours?

I was tired of losing. My mom, Jerry, and soon--maybe--Harmony.

I started crying.

Winning is impossible.

--

Whew, that was...that. Haha. Thanks for more than 180 votes!